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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Oak Create an Engaging Visitor Experience in a Nature Reserve

Authors:
Abbigail Harding, Vyankatesh Chinchalkar, Jhonriel Ramirez, Deysy Cruz Escobar
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Oak Create an Engaging Visitor Experience in a Nature Reserve

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced oak, the design enhances visitor interaction with the surrounding wetlands, providing a sustainable hub for ecological education and wildlife observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates locally sourced oak to promote sustainability and support regional resources.
03
Features elevated pathways designed to minimize disruption to sensitive wetland habitats.
04
The bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while providing panoramic views.
05
Employs interactive observation points to encourage ecological engagement and education.

## Overview
Located within the Pape Nature Reserve, the project emphasizes the relationship between natural and built environments by capturing the dynamic movement of birds and human interactions in the landscape. The design aims to enhance visitor engagement with the surroundings, creating pathways and forms inspired by avian flight patterns that enrich the overall experience of the natural setting.

## Spatial Dynamics
The configuration of the pathways mimics the undulating trajectories of birds in flight, encouraging active exploration and interaction with the landscape. These pathways weave through the site, creating varied heights and perspectives that blur the boundaries between structure and nature. Strategic observation points offer expansive views of the wetlands, enriching the visitor experience with opportunities for wildlife observation and ecological education.

## Material Selection
Sustainable practices are integral to the material choices made for the project. The use of local oak wood establishes a connection to the site's environment while ensuring durability and a natural aesthetic. Additionally, decay-resistant materials enhance the lifespan of the structure, while metal elements provide necessary structural integrity, allowing for large, open spaces that promote visibility and a connection to the surrounding landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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